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The West Midlands Police figures, published under Freedom of Information, show the riders have also been linked to 32 robberies since 2013, including five raids this year.

Last month we told how police were hunting moped-riding criminals after a spate of attempted drive-by mobile phone thefts in the city.

Footage of moped robbers outside the Hindu temple on Clarenden Rise in Lewisham.

Sparkbrook Police urged people to keep phones and handbags secure after snatch attempts in Kings Heath in one day. “Important message. If you must use your mobile phone in the street be mindful of persons on motorbikes scooters attempting to snatch it,” they tweeted.

Scooters or mopeds have been increasingly used by gangs for thefts of mobile phones and hangbags, robberies and even acid attacks. They are particularly popular in London where the congestion charge, high insurance costs and busy streets have put people off using cars.